Periodontal Disease
Periodontal disease (aka gum disease) is a bacterial infection that starts in the gums and can move into the bones and ligaments that support the teeth. The major cause of periodontal disease is the interaction between the bacteria found on the plaque in a person's mouth and their body's response to that bacteria. Bacteria can irritate and inflame the gums. This inflammatory process can destroy gum tissue and cause it to seperate from the teeth. If left untreated the disease can advance to the bone. The disease may become so serious that the teeth may fall out or have to be removed. Periodontal disease is the major cause of tooth loss in adults.
Stages of Periodontal Disease
Stage 1: Health
Gums are firm, pink, and do not bleed.
Gums are firm, pink, and do not bleed.
Stage 2: Gingivitis
The gums begin to get red and swollen.
They may bleed during brushing or flossing.
The gums begin to get red and swollen.
They may bleed during brushing or flossing.
Stage 3: Periodontitis
The gums begin to seperate and recede from the teeth.
The gums begin to seperate and recede from the teeth.
Stage 4: Advanced Periodontitis
Supporting fibers and bone is destroyed.
The teeth become loose and may need to be removed.
Supporting fibers and bone is destroyed.
The teeth become loose and may need to be removed.
Contributing Factors
Once the bacteria has created inflammation in the gum tissue, there are a number of factors that can contribute to the severity of periodontal disease. These factors are:
- Poor oral hygiene
- Poorly fitting restorations
- Badly aligned teeth
- Defective fillings
- Food impacted between the teeth
- Clenching or grinding teeth
- Poor diet
- Pregnancy or oral contraceptives
- Smoking or Chewing tobacco
- Medications
Systemic Factors
Susceptibitlity to periodontal disease may be increased by systemic factors. These conditions and diseases are:
- Leukemia
- Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS)
- Osteoporosis
- Hormonal Variations
- Diabetes Mellitus
Treatment and Prevention
Periodontal disease can be treated through professional cleaning.
The best way to prevent periodontal disease is to brush and floss daily. It is important to eat a balanced diet and have regular checkups with a dentist/ hygientist.
The best way to prevent periodontal disease is to brush and floss daily. It is important to eat a balanced diet and have regular checkups with a dentist/ hygientist.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is periodontal disease contagious?
Periodontal disease is not contagious, but the bacteria that can cause the disease may be passed through saliva ( examples: kissing and sharing utensils).
Isn't there a medication I can take to treat periodontal disease?
Local delivery of antimicrobial or antibiotics can help slow the progression of the disease.
What are some signs and symptoms of periodontal disease?
Periodontal disease is not contagious, but the bacteria that can cause the disease may be passed through saliva ( examples: kissing and sharing utensils).
Isn't there a medication I can take to treat periodontal disease?
Local delivery of antimicrobial or antibiotics can help slow the progression of the disease.
What are some signs and symptoms of periodontal disease?
- Gums that bleed during brushing or flossing
- Red, swollen, or tender gums
- Teeth that have become loose or shifted
- Bad breath
- Pus between the gums and teeth
- Gums that recede ( teeth will look longer)
- Gums that pull away from the teeth
- Changes in the way the teeth fit together when biting
- Changes in the way dentures or partials fit
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